A hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall through which tissue can push. Inguinal hernias in the groin are the type most often listed on hospital self-pay schedules. Repair can be open or keyhole (laparoscopic), under local, regional or general anaesthetic depending on the case and the surgeon’s plan.
What is being priced
Published self-pay prices for inguinal (groin) hernia repair on our hernia repair page, checked 9 November 2026, ranged from £2,752 to £5,485 across 101 hospital list prices. Other hernia types are priced separately and are not mixed into that range.
A package usually includes the operation, the surgical team and a follow-up appointment. Whether it covers the first consultation, mesh type, or repair of both sides if needed, varies. Ask:
- Is the quote for open or keyhole repair?
- Is it for one side or both?
- Is the first consultation included?
- What is the charge if you need to stay overnight when a day case was planned?
On the day
Many groin hernia repairs are day cases. You arrive starved if a general anaesthetic is planned, have final checks, and go home when the team is satisfied you are safe to leave. Arrange a lift. Expect some bruising and activity limits for a period your surgeon will specify. Ask when desk work, manual work and driving can resume; the answers differ.
The NHS route
Hernia repair on the NHS is planned care under general surgery. Waiting times are published for that specialty list, not for hernia repair alone. Your local trust’s general surgery figure, where we show it, is the nearest official comparison.
Not medical advice. This guide covers process, cost and how the NHS and private routes are organised. It does not say whether you need a test or treatment. Decisions about your care sit with you and a clinician who knows your history.
Not affiliated with the NHS. The Doctor is an independent publication. It is not part of, or endorsed by, the NHS, the Care Quality Commission or any provider listed. See our full notice.
Published prices: Hernia repair prices. How we work: methodology.
Sources checked for this guide
- Published inguinal hernia prices on this site, checked 9 November 2026: /treatments/hernia-repair/
- NHS England Referral to Treatment waiting times framework (general surgery specialty lists on local pages), data to August 2026, published 8 October 2026